Peter Paul Halajian facts for kids
Peter Paul Halajian (born in Armenia in 1864 – died in Naugatuck, Connecticut in 1927) was a famous candy maker. He created delicious treats in the New Haven, Connecticut area during the early 1900s. His company made some very popular candy bars that are still enjoyed today!
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Peter Paul's Early Life
Peter Halajian was born in Armenia. In 1890, he moved to the United States. He first worked in a factory that made rubber. But Peter had a sweet dream!
Starting a Candy Business
On February 1, 1895, Peter opened his very own candy shop. This shop was in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Around this time, he changed his last name to Paul, which was easier to say in English.
The Peter Paul Candy Company
Peter Paul's candy business grew bigger. He even sold chocolate bars to the United States Army during World War I. Soldiers loved his chocolates! When they came home, they wanted more.
Forming a Sweet Team
In 1919, Peter Paul teamed up with five other Armenian investors. They included his brother-in-law Cal Kazanjian. Together, they started the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company. They set up their factory in New Haven, Connecticut. They began with $6,000, which was a lot of money back then!
The Rise of Mounds Bar
At first, the company made many different kinds of candies. One of their most popular was the Mounds bar. This candy bar has a sweet, chewy coconut center covered in dark chocolate.
Mounds During World War II
During World War II, it was hard to get sugar and coconut. So, the Peter Paul company decided to focus mainly on the Mounds bar. The U.S. military bought a huge amount of them! By 1944, the military bought 80% of all the Mounds bars made. They packed 5 million candy bars every month for soldiers.
Introducing Almond Joy
After the war, in 1946, the company launched a new candy bar. This was the famous Almond Joy bar! It was similar to Mounds but had milk chocolate and a whole almond on top.
Peter Paul's Legacy
The Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company continued to make popular candy bars for many years. In 1978, the company joined with Cadbury-Schweppes. This merger brought together many well-known candy brands. Peter Paul's legacy lives on through the delicious Mounds and Almond Joy bars that people still enjoy today.
